About Our Tutoring Services

FAQ

Q: Does Hometown Learning Centers employ a unique approach?A: We focus on two important issues. One is the tutoring approach, and the other is the convenience and flexibility of our approach.

Q: What makes Hometown Learning Centers different from any other tutoring service?A: At Hometown Learning Centers we are dedicated to being the ultimate resource for parents and children. To accomplish this, we provide unlimited access to our unique and effective tutoring seven-days-a-week. Even if you cannot make it to our center, we will bring our center to you by utilizing distance-tutoring technology. Still not convenient enough? Contact our center director with your concerns and we will do everything we can to accommodate you.

Q: What is the tutoring approach?

A: ​The approach that we employ has several distinct elements, intended to increase the likelihood that your child improves his scholastic achievement as much as possible. We start with an assessment process specifically intended to help us focus where its needed most, yet leverage areas where the student is already proficient. We then create a specific learning plan, we call it a Learning Path.SM This Learning Path ensures that we sequence and cover every area that needs attention. Unlike other providers, we then spend time in every tutoring session to address and assist current homework challenges.

Q: Is it one-on-one tutoring or group tutoring?A: Unless your child has specific need for private tutoring, we highly recommend our students participate in “open tutoring”. This means your child will be seated at a table with up to three other students and one of our experienced, certified tutors will devote his or her attention to each student as needed. The reason we believe open tutoring is the most effective is because it allows each student to work at their own pace and to avoid feeling the pressure of a tutor watching every mark they make. Open tutoring creates a nurturing and calming learning environment.

Q: What makes your tutoring “unique and effective”? A: Our approach is personalized and data-driven. We use an assessment to determine your student’s areas of strength and weakness. We then create an individualized Hometown Learning Path℠ to guide your child to proficiency in every topic and to ensure your student’s unique needs are being met. During each tutoring session, we gather data on your child’s progress to guarantee improved subject mastery, study skills, and even self-confidence.

​Q: How long is a typical tutoring session?

A: Length of session is a very important aspect of successful tutoring. Younger students may find it difficult to focus for more than 30 minutes, while older students should be able to stay focused for up to an hour. Learning math for example, may be thought of as a process similar to learning to play the piano. Frequent sessions of limited duration are more effective for long term learning than long sessions, especially when the student is in a formative phase. When effectiveness wanes, learning progress stalls, students experience frustration, and the accompanying negative experience reinforces a defeatist attitude. So to sum it up, frequent but shorter sessions are much better than occasional but longer sessions.

Q: Do you perform any tutoring on-line?

A: The answer is yes. We know that at times, it is too complicated for a parent to be able to bring the child into the Center, for a variety of reasons. If and when problems arise that prevent you from bringing your child into the Center, we have the ability to perform tutoring at a distance, utlizing internet technologies. We can even provide a loaner of the required iPad in those instances. Talk to the Center Director for more details.

Q: Can I arrange for private, one-on-one tutoring?

A: Yes. We know that for some children, one-on-one tutoring is needed at times and we are able to provide that approach when it is required. Inquire with our center director as to availability, pricing and other conditions associated with this type of tutoring.

Q: Can I be seated with and work with my child during tutoring sessions?A: Generally the answer to that question is no. The best approach is for you to support and work with your child between tutoring sessions not during a tutoring session. Tutoring is best accomplished when the child and the tutor develop a professional relationship, especially when the child can demonstrate responsible interactions. We operate in a transparent manner and parents are welcome to remain at the center in our comfortable reception areas and take advantage of our free WiFi connection during the time that their child receives tutoring if they wish. Alternatively, many parents take advantage of the opportunity to multi-task and shop at nearby stores while we work with their child.

Q: Who are your tutors?A: We believe your child deserves our best. Therefore, every one of our tutors go through our multifaceted interview process requiring a background check and a competency test. Once hired, our recurring performance evaluations and professional development ensure our tutors are always reaching their full potential.

Q: How do you evaluate the competency of your tutors?A: All of our tutors must pass our tutor competency test. Unlike other organizations that merely rely on a tutor’s self assessment, or rely on high school or college credentials, we require our tutors to take and pass our competency test. This test focuses not just on getting the answer right, but also on the specifics of approach and procedures as required by state specific Standards of Learning (SOL). We also conduct thorough background checks on all of our tutors.

Q: What if my question is not on the Frequently Asked Questions page?A: As educators, we welcome and encourage your questions! Please contact us with your question and we will provide you with a timely and informative response.